The Wisconsin Coalition on Children and Families is working on legislation to return 17-year-olds to juvenile court. Currently in Wisconsin, all 17-year-olds are prosecuted as adults for any suspected crime. Regardless of whether it is a first offense, disorderly conduct or shoplifting, all crimes committed by 17-year-olds must be treated in the adult system.

Research shows past policy decisions are not working regarding the prosecution of delinquent teenagers. LRB 3260, the bill which would return 17-year-olds to the original jurisdiction of the juvenile court. raises the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to allow 17-year-olds to be tried in juvenile court.
There would still be the ability to try teenagers who commit more serious crimes as adults.

In 2006, more than 1,000 17-year-olds were sentenced to jail. This includes almost

200 for disorderly conduct. Teenagers received less education and treatment than they would if they are placed in the juvenile system. Many 17-year-olds have no prior experience in the justice system, and the majority are arrested for nonviolent crimes.

Currently, 17-year-olds are treated as adults. They can be denied opportunities for

college, jobs and becoming successful adults because of adolescent mistakes. Seven-teen-year-olds are simply not adults. We would like to urge any person who has a teenager, or knows a teenager to take time to visit www.wccf.org/justice_statementofagreement. php and add your name or your organization to the list of supporters.

 

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